Dean Stark Extractor

Dean Stark Extractor

Distillation extraction (Dean stark) enables the determination of fluid saturation in a core sample by virtue of a solvent vaporization and condensation process. This method relies on the miscibility to oil and immiscibility to water of solvents such as toluene. Initially, the saturated sample is weighed. It is then placed in a glass tube connected at the bottom to an externally heated, solvent-containing flask and to a fluid separation system at the top. By heating the system, the in-situ water vaporizes, condenses in the condenser tube and is collected in a graduated receiver. The vaporized solvent also condenses, soaks the sample, and extracts the oil, which falls into the solvent flask. The experiment continues until the extracted solvent displays its original color. The sample is then oven dried and weighed again. The weight measurements (saturated core, dry core, produced water) can be inputted into the mass balance equation to deduce the produced oil volume. The apparatus consists of a distillation/extraction glassware unit and a heating mantle with thermostatic controller. The glassware for a single sample is composed of a boiling flask with extractor, sample support screen, volumetrically graduated water receiving tube, condenser and desiccant drying tube. A flexible plastic tubing connects the condenser to the water cooling unit. All these constituents are supported by a mounting rack.